12C foggy with the sun glowing through. Didn't bowl yesterday, went for a practise last night then out for dinner.

Through his labors at the little clinic he put out word of what he was looking for and on the second day an old man and a young boy of about sixteen came to him. When they approached him Doctor Pearce at first thought that one of them needed medical attention but finally at the old man’s prodding the boy said, “My grandfather has a boat and can take you down the river.”

  “He can? When can he leave and may I see the boat?”

 The old man nodded and signaled with his hand that they should go to the river.

  Doctor Pearce said, “I have one more patient waiting, perhaps you could wait for me?”

  The boy and the old man whispered together then, the boy said, “I will wait, my grandfather will go to the boat.”

  A few minutes later, finished with his medical duties, Doctor Pearce left with the boy.

 “Tell me, what is your name and your grandfather’s name.”

 “I am Lui De Chong, my grandfather is called Hoy Chang.” Was the reply.

  “Why does he not speak with me?”

  Lui smiled, “Oh, he is afraid that you are a magician, he has only seen one other round eyes like you and he told him in a very loud voice that if he did not do as he was told he would not pass through the seven gates.”

  Doctor Pearce smiled, “I am no magician and I will not raise my voice.”

  When they arrived at the river, Hoy Chang was waiting beside his boat. It was moored in a hand dug channel.

   “Please Doctor, go on board and look about” Lui said.

  The boat was about thirty feet long, there was a small cabin amidships and he thought it would accommodate the female members of his family in the event of foul weather. The boat itself was worn and unpainted, but was clean and looked cared for. There was a stubby mast and a single sail neatly rolled and secured.

  Doctor Pearce turned to the old man and smiling said quietly, “It is a fine looking boat Hoy Chang; I would be honored if you would use this boat and be my guide.”

  Hoy Chang hesitated then looked at his grandson, who was several feet away and seemed preoccupied with something in the water. Turning his attention to the Doctor he said softly, “I am pleased that you find my boat worthy.” Then lowering his eyelids, he went on, “How much will you pay me?”

  Doctor Pearce smiled inwardly but kept his face straight and sober, “I think Hoy Chang, that I must trust you to say what is fair. I do not know how many days this journey will take and then you must come all the way back. If you will tell me what you think is fair, I will think on it and tell you if I agree.”

  Hoy Chang studied the Doctor’s face for a moment then said, “”I will talk to my grandson and will come to you in a short while.”

  “Good, I will return now to where we are staying, you will find me there.” The doctor offered his hand and with out hesitation, Hoy shook it briefly and bowed slightly.

  Doctor Pearce returned to his family, filled them in on what was happening and suggested that they have tea prepared when Hoy Chang arrived.